LETTER

from the head of school

“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden.

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Dear SMES Families,

As you receive this issue of Patterns, I hope you’re enjoying a restful and rejuvenating summer break. The 2018-19 school year was packed full of activities, achievements and learning for students from our Toddlers through our recent 8th-grade graduates. Now, it’s time to take a short break before we begin again.

As I reflect on the 2018-19 school year, I’m reminded of the many accomplishments made by our students and the St. Martin’s community at large. We finished building our state-of-the-art Early Childhood Learning Center, and students were able to spend much of the second semester in the new space enjoying all that it has to offer. We will be forever grateful to St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church for its generosity and support that ensured our students could stay on campus during this unexpected construction phase in the life of our school. I also want to thank everyone in the community who supported the Together We Rise campaign to fund this innovative learning space for young children. It has been a Herculean effort to make this happen and is a testament to the strength and resolve of the St. Martin’s community. So, thank you!

This issue of Patterns showcases some of the many programs and activities we offer and gives a proper send off to our recent 8th-grade graduates. Enjoy reading about graduation festivities and special awards. Kudos to this group, and best of luck as you enter high school in the fall. We’re proud to congratulate this year’s Oglethorpe Award winner, Matthew Aronowitz. This student award honors an 8th grader who exhibits intelligence, compassion, enthusiasm, responsibility and common sense— qualities desired and embodied by St. Martin’s students. Also, drama teacher Heidi McKerley was awarded the Reeder Excellence in Teaching Award for her positive contribution to the school for 16 years.

In addition to our 8th graders graduating, we also celebrated our 5th graders “crossing the green” to Middle School and the Kindergartners receiving certificates for completion of the Early Childhood curriculum. They will cross the bridge to join the Elementary School in the fall. You’ll also read about the enhanced STEAM program that will be fully integrated into the spectrum of the SMES experience from Early Childhood through Middle School. We welcome veteran Elementary School science teacher Wade Hanse as he takes the reigns as STEAM Coordinator for

the whole school. We held several alumni events this spring, and it’s always exciting to have alums back on campus. Be sure to read about the many accomplishments of St. Martin’s graduates and all of the wonderful things they are doing in high school, college and as young professionals in our Class Notes section.

Again, St. Martin’s athletics had impressive seasons with several teams winning their league championships. You can read the details in this edition’s sports wrap and also learn a bit more about the man behind the scenes of St. Martin’s sports through a spotlight on athletic director Mark McDaniel.

We’re happy to report that a few new programs will launch in the fall. We’re excited to integrate the Kairos Learning Center into the St. Martin’s experience and also look forward to offering an extensive online curriculum for Middle School students who may want a bit more.

At St. Martin’s, we’re always striving to uphold our mission to provide a quality education of the whole person in a loving, Christian atmosphere which fosters lifelong learning. I don’t take that statement lightly and want to express my appreciation to all of our families, past and present, who’ve entrusted your children to be in our care for a wholehearted education. This summer, we’ll be busy balancing our time between planning for the school year and rejuvenating. We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus in mid-August. Have a great summer!

With love, light and blessings always,